Fort Ticonderoga enjoys successful season

Attendance, revenues, donations increase

Fort Ticonderoga officials report a banner year for the historic landmark. Revenues, attendance, donations and other measures are all up in 2012, according to Beth Hill, president and CEO of the not-for-profit fort.

Ticonderoga  Fort Ticonderoga officials report a banner year for the historic landmark.

Revenues, attendance, donations and other measures are all up in 2012, according to Beth Hill, president and CEO of the not-for-profit fort.

“We have worked so hard and our team is delighted to see such positive progress serving this incredible site,” Hill said.

Fort Ticonderoga’s paid attendance increased nearly 6 percent and admissions revenue increased by 18 percent over 2011. Program revenue is up by 38 percent and field trip programs up by 8 percent. Annual donations grew 18 percent and membership in the Friends of Fort Ticonderoga group is up 38 percent.

“This has been a remarkable year,” Hill said. “Fort Ticonderoga has been able to redefine what is possible and generate increased income and support to fulfill its mission. We still have a great deal of work to accomplish, but we are very pleased with 2012’s successes.”

Fort Ticonderoga completed the first phase of a three-part comprehensive plan in March. The plan, led by PGAV Destinations, a global destination planning firm, identified a number of “quick win” strategies that were implemented by fort’s leadership team.

“The ‘quick wins’ are intended to provide immediate sources of revenue to fund operations, planning efforts and the implementation of plan elements,” Hill explained. “They required very little capital and provided rich opportunities to experiment with new strategies and tactics that inform the development of a long-term comprehensive plan. They have resulted in an energized team and excited stakeholders who are committed to the success of the organization.

The “quick win” changes included a new site access point, a new pricing structure, specialty tours and new programs to attract a broader visitor base.

“In addition, the fort continued to refine its brand focusing on site-specific and authentic historical interpretation on a level that sets it apart from most cultural and historic destinations,” Hill said.